This application requests funding to support the travel expenses of early career epithelial biologists presenting their research at the Epithelial Transport Group (ETG) scientific sessions at Experimental Biology (EB) 2019. The ETG sessions occur within the annual American Physiological Society (APS) meeting, which will take place April 6-10, 2019 in Orlando, FL as part of EB2019. The meeting will be held at the Orange County Convention Center, which offers an ADA-compliant infrastructure for individuals with disabilities and special needs. ETG has a longstanding history of promoting interactions among physiologists from diverse backgrounds who study biological processes in epithelia and encourages students, postdoctoral fellows, and instructors to develop research careers in epithelial biology. Based on prior experience and years of annual survey data, trainees consistently view the annual ETG sessions at EB as a valuable training experience that reinforces their interest in the field and promotes retention in epithelial-centric biomedical research. Thus, we strive to optimize trainee exposure to ETG-related events by providing travel award support for promising early career investigators with limited resources. All trainees who submit abstracts to ETG-curated categories via the EB abstract submission portal will be eligible for travel awards. The abstracts will be reviewed and scored by a 19-member Steering Committee, who will then allocate the awards based on merit. Award amounts will be contingent on the funds that are available. Regardless of the amount, however, it is our plan to budget an additional supplement to awardees with child/family care needs that exceed the existing childcare services that will be provided on site. Top scoring abstracts will be selected for oral presentation in Featured Topic sessions that will be headlined by the annual Hans Ussing and Steve Hebert lectures. In 2019, these prestigious lectureships will recognize Drs. Kim Barrett and Robert Fenton for their important contributions to epithelial biology and transport. This format has proven popular among trainees, as it provides an exciting opportunity for talented early career physiologists to present their research alongside preeminent scientists in a formal, but collegial setting. A one-day ?pre-EB? symposium will provide additional opportunities for junior investigators to orally present their work in a less formal atmosphere, with networking coffee breaks and lunches and a joint mixer with the Water and Electrolyte Homeostasis section at the conclusion to promote additional trainee interactions and informal mentoring opportunities with ETG faculty. ETG poster sessions will serve as a nexus for detailed scientific discussions, interaction between trainees and established investigators, and networking. Given ETG?s commitment to trainee mentoring, we believe that the support provided by this application will dovetail with the proposed meeting structure to enhance the career development of junior scientists interested in epithelial physiology and serve our long-term goal of maintaining the pipeline of epithelial biologists in biomedical research careers.
Epithelial cells line body cavities and surfaces, regulate our internal environment, and can be adversely affected in diseases of the kidney, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, and other organ systems. The purpose of this application is to request travel funds to support trainees who wish to attend and present their research as part of a unique educational forum for scientists who study epithelia. By supporting the travel, education, and development of these promising early career scientists, we hope to expand and diversify the current epithelial biology workforce and promote retention of trainees in epithelial-centric biomedical research.
